Presbyterian Support Otago Board Chairman David Richardson is very pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Parker as the incoming Chief Executive of the regional organisation.
Mr Richardson said, “Michael is joining PSO in this critical leadership role, following a six month search that spanned across Australasia. Michael is the current Chief Executive of a sister Presbyterian Support organisation in the South Island, and has significant knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities that we face.”
Michael described his personal philosophy as “grounded in the belief that we should all be actively involved in supporting each other, and our communities, to be resilient and safe environments for families and children to live, work and grow in – regardless of age, health, or social status.”
Michael has a bachelor degree in Applied Management and Masters in Professional Practice from Otago Polytechnic. In 2016 he was recognised with a Distinguished Alumni award at the Otago Polytechnic’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. Michael also holds Associate Fellowships with NZ Institute of Management and Australian College of Health Service Managers.
PSO will continue working with people in Otago, across the generations, to achieve positive change in the community. Our mission continues to be focused on establishing strong families and healthy communities – areas that Michael will continue to build upon.
Michael will begin with PSO on Monday 5 March 2018, allowing for a transition with current Chief Executive, Gillian Bremner, who will retire at the end of March after 23 years in the role.
Michael Parker - biography
Michael was born in Timaru, South Canterbury, and has spent his career in Timaru, Wellington and Christchurch in Banking Management roles, and in Australia in hospitality, before shifting back to Timaru to get married and take up the position with Presbyterian Support South Canterbury.
Michael is married to Gillian and they enjoy spending their leisure-time camping and boating with their children and grandson.
Michael has worked for Presbyterian Support South Canterbury since 2001, initially in the Operations Manager position, before taking on the Chief Executive role in 2003. He considers his primary success is the positive team culture that has been developed during his time as CEO, along with the focus on new and innovative services aligned to the organisation’s ‘person-centred’ care approach. This includes the introduction of the Eden Alternative philosophy that has resulted in national and international recognition.
“It is the commitment of our people and the responsiveness of our services that have seen the organisation grow to become one of the largest and most successful locally owned businesses in the region”.
Michael has a bachelor degree in Applied Management and Masters in Professional Practice from Otago Polytechnic. In 2016 he was recognised with a Distinguished Alumni award at the Otago Polytechnic’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. Michael also holds Associate Fellowships with NZ Institute of Management and Australian College of Health Service Managers.
Michael’s personal philosophy is grounded in the belief that we should all be actively involved in supporting each other and our communities to be resilient and safe environments for families and children to live, work and grow in – regardless of age, health, or social status.
For more information please contact Mark Long, Communications & Fundraising and Marketing Director on 027 325 2649.